Better in the Raw for Dogs

Better in the Raw for Dogs is designed to provide your dog with essential nutrients and protein for health and longevity. It makes balancing a raw meat diet at home, easy and convenient. Prescribed most often by Holistic Veterinarians. This healthy diet is ideal for all life stages and is made with 100% human grade ingredients. No grains of any kind are used. Just add raw meat and water.

* Existing customers please note the product name change - Better in the Raw with Liver is now Better in the Raw for Dogs.

*Further details as to why rice bran is added: Rice Bran is an insoluble fibre for intestinal health. Not considered a grain, but rather the coating of the grain, with little carbohydrate content. Sweeps the large intestine much like fur or feathers of a prey animal.

The ingredients we use are without exception of human grade quality. All raw materials are 100% natural, and no preservatives, colours, or other artificial additives are used. None of our ingredients are sourced from China.

Divide into serving sizes based on the weight of your dog.
Daily servings:
1/4lb. or 1/2 cup - for a 10-12lb. dog
1/2lb. or 1 cup - for a 20-25lb. dog
1lb. or 2 cups - for a 40-50lb. dog
2lbs. or 4 cups - for a 100lb. dog

Freeze the finished product for storage. Thaw as needed.
Thaw frozen dog food by warming to room temperature in a warm water bath before serving. Remove un-eaten food within 30 minutes to be refrigerated. Avoid microwaving on a regular basis.

Tips
The dog food will keep fresh for 24 hours once thawed and refrigerated.

Since muscle meats are important ingredients in the raw diet, special care should be taken when selecting meat for your dog. Meats must be fresh and should be no greater than 15-20% fat content. Although most dogs appear to have a preference for beef, the following meats are equally well suited in the preparation of your dog's food:

Beef - lean pre-ground stewing meat, heart boneless steak or roast

Lamb - pre-ground boneless stewing meat shank, leg or butt

Poultry - pre-ground boneless, skinless breast fillet or thigh

Venison - pre-ground stewing meat neck, shank, or shoulder

Or use more exotic meats such as buffalo, caribou, elk, moose, duck or rabbit.

Try your local butcher or meat processor when purchasing your dog's meats. Supermarkets often cannot supply in bulk quantities and its pre-packaged meats may make it more difficult to obtain the correct amount for the recipe. A butcher will be glad to weigh out your meat and grind the meat for you on the spot.

Meat ground with bone-in is not recommended.

The use of fish is not advised. as feeding raw fish can lead to a thiamine deficiency. (*According to Houpt, Hintz & Shepherd in 1978. Ref. The Domestic Dog, Cambridge University Press, 1995)

Vegetables

Although Better in the Raw contains all of the essential vitamins and minerals, the addition of optional vegetables, lightly steamed, in a dog's diet is an excellent source of carbohydrates - particularly for larger or highly active dogs. According to veterinary sources, dogs do not require carbohydrates, unless a female is lactating.

The use of garlic and other members of the Lily family such as onions, garlic, shallots, and chives in dog food is not advised. Ingestion of these plants in a raw, cooked, or dried form can lead to damage of the red blood cells, which are rejected by the body from the bloodstream, and a continued use of garlic or onions can eventually result in hemolytic anemia. If the anemia is not controlled by discontinuing the use of the plants, it can potentially lead to death. Dogs should never be given raw, un-aged garlic because it is very irritating to the mouth, esophagus, and stomach and can cause or exacerbate ulcers." The nightshade family of plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers contain a bitter poisonous alkaloid called "Solanine". Solanine is toxic to humans as well, but it requires a much more concentrated amount, like that found in green potatoes and potato sprouts, to induce sickness.
Raw green beans should not be fed as they contain a toxic alkaloid similar to arsenic. Cooking green beans will destroy these toxins.